Personal Statement Office Hours — Ask a Stanford & Columbia Writing Expert

Have a personal statement topic but don't know if it's the right one? Stuck on your opening? Worried your essay sounds cliché—or simply doesn't sound like you? Bring your questions, ideas, or draft to this live office-hours session. I'll answer your questions and offer practical, personalized guidance on the spot. We'll talk about what makes a personal statement memorable, how to find the deeper story beneath an obvious topic, how to avoid the most common essay traps, and how to make your writing sound authentic rather than “admissions-y.” You can come with a question, a rough idea, a partial draft, or a completed essay. You don't need to submit anything in advance. By the end, you'll have a clearer sense of what is—and isn't—working in your essay, along with concrete next steps for making it stronger. This is an interactive session, so come ready to participate!